Control system



May'lO, 1938. c. J. WERNER I 7,

I CONTROL SYSTEM Original Filed Aug. 22, 1954 I Fi .3 .NVE'NTQR 551w}? Jh/erner' HIS ATTORNEYS UNITED STATES PATENT orrica CONTROL SYSTEM Calvin 1. Werner, Dayton, Ohio, asslgnor to General Motors Corporation, Detroit, Mich, a corporation of Delaware Original application August 22, 1934, Serial No.

740,961. 1935, Serial No. 33,960

\ 7 Claims.

This invention -relates to the control of electrical motors, and more particularly to the control of an electrical motor in response to thermally responsive means.

This application is a division of my copending application for Control device Serial No'. 740,961, filed August 22. 1934.

An object of this invention is to provide a control system utilizing a thermal responsive switch for controlling the starting and running circuits of an electric motor, which thermal responsive switch is so constructed and connected that the starting characteristics of the motor are satisfactory under widely varying motor load values. This object is accomplished by providing a thermal-responsive switch for controlling the starting and running circuits of the motor, which switch has a thermal-responsive element connected in the circuit of the starting winding and responsive to starting winding current during the starting of the motor. Inasmuch as the starting winding current is fairly uniform over a range of load variations normally encountered, the switching responsive to that current will be comparatively uniform over the range, and satisfactory starting characteristics will result.

Another object of this invention is to provide a control system for an electric motor that utilizes a single thermal responsive element for con- 30 trolling the starting and running circuits of the motor, and also provides overload protection for the motor.

This object is accomplished by providing a thermal-responsive switch having two sets of contacts, one of which sets of contacts controls the starting and running circuits of the motor. the other of which sets of contacts is connected to control the power supply circuit to the motor, and both of which sets of contacts are controlled by a single thermal-responsive element.

Further objects andadvantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawing wherein a preferred embodiment of the present invention is clearly shown.

In the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention adapted to the control of an electric motor.

Figs. 2 and 3 are modified forms of the present invention also adapted to the control of an elec tric motor. a

With particular reference to Fig. 1, the thermal responsive switch shown is a diagrammatic rep resentation of the switch shown in Figs. 9 to 14 by rivets 18, or other suitable fastening means.

Divided and this application July 31,

inclusive, of my above mentioned copending appllcation, Serial No. 740,961, and is fully described in that application. This switch has a support comprising a base indicated at ill and a frame i2 that is secured to the base. The strip of insulating material I is preferably secured to the frame 12, and provides an anchor and the support for one end of a thermal responsive element 15, which thermal responsive element is preferably a bimetallic member having a plurality of longitudinal portions connected in zigzag fashion to increase the electrical resistance thereof. This thermal responsive element is preferably secured to the insulating member H The thermal responsive element has thermals 20 and 22 at the ends thereof that are preferably integral with the element. The other ends of the thermal responsive element ii are secured to-an insulating member M by means such as rivets 2G. The sides of the support l2 have substantially V-shaped notches 28 and 30 in the ends thereof. A movable contact carrying member 32 has a. knife edge 34 that is disposed in the notch 28 to provide a pivotal mounting for that contact carrying member. A movable contact carrying member 3S has a knife edge 38 that cooperates with the notch 30 to provide a pivotal mounting for the contact carrying member 36. Springs 40 30 and 42 each have an end connected to the contact carrying members 32 and 36 respectively, and are in tension with their other ends anchored to a suitable point. These springs tend to hold the contact carrying member in position.

Contacts 44 and 46 are mounted on the contact carrying members 32 and .35 respectively, and are movable therewith. Each of these con-. tacts is preferably positively connected to the frame I! through leads such as 48 and 50 respectively. Cooperating stationary contacts 52' and SI are secured to brackets 56 and 88 respectively, which contacts are respectively in alignment for engagement with contacts N and 46.

A link 60 has projecting tips 82 that-extend through holes in the insulating strip 24, and are bent to secure the link to the insulating strip. The link 60 is notched so that it has a shoulder 64 that engages the contact carrying member I! to effect movement of the contact carrying memher in one direction in response to flexin'e of the thermal responsive element IS. The link I is also notched so that it has shoulders 68 and Cl that engage the contact carrying member I to effect movement of the contact carrying member in either direction In response to flexure of the thermal responsive element I6. A heater element 10, that preferably comprises a resistance, is closely associated with one surface of the thermal responsive element.

The terminal 22 of the thermal responsive element is connected to one end of an auxiliary or starting field winding 12 of a motor 14, which motor also has a main field winding 16 and a rotor 18 that is preferably of the squirrel cage type. The other end of the starting or auxiliary field winding 12 is connected to one end of the main field winding 16 and to a power supply line wire 80. The other end of the main field winding 16 is connected to one end of the heater element 10; while the other end of the heater element is connected to the frame I2 oi the switch, and thence through the conductors 48 and 50 with the movable contact carrying members 32 and 36. The other end 20 of the thermal responsive element is connected to the stationary contact 52, and the other power supply line wire 62 is connected to the other stationary contact 54.

With particular reference to Fig. 2, a power supply line wire 90 is connected to one end of a starting or auxiliary field winding 92 and to one end of a main field winding 94 of a motor 96 having a rotor 88 that is preferably of the squirrel cage type. The other end of the auxiliary field winding is connected to a stationary contact I00 of a thermalresponsive element I02; while the other end of'the main field winding 94 is connected to one end of a thermal responsive element I04 that has one end anchored at I06 and has a contact I08 actuated by the other end in alignment for engagement with the contact I00. A heater element I I0 has one end connected to the thermal responsive element I04, and its other end connected to a heater element I I2 of a switch I I4, either of which heater elements may be separate heater units or the inherent resistance of the thermal responsive elements themselves. The other end of the heater element H2 is connected to a thermal responsive element H6 of the switch II4, which" thermal responsive element has one end anchored at II8 and a contact I20 actuated by its other end. The contact I20 is in alignment for engagement with a stationary contact I22, which stationary contact is connected to a main control switch I24 to the other power supply line wire I26. The main control switch- I24 has a contact I28 and a cooperating movable contact arm I30.

With particular reference to Fig. 3, a power supply line wire I40 is connected through a main control switch I42 to one end of a starting or auxiliary field winding I44 and to one end of a main field winding I46 of a motor I48 having a rotor I50 that is preferably of the squirrel cage type. The main control switch I42 has a contact I52 and a cooperating movable contact arm I54. The other end of the main field winding I46 is connected to a movable contact arm I56 of an electromagnetically actuated switch I58, and

the movement of thecontact arm I56 is preferably controlled by a dash pot I60.

The other end of the auxiliary field winding I44 is connected to a stationary contact I62 that is in alignment for engagement with the contact arm I56. An electromagnet I64 is magnetically associated with the movable contact arm I56 to actuate the arm, and has one end connected to the contact arm I56 and its other end connected to one end of a heater element I66. The other end of the heater element I66 is connected to an end of 9.

thermal responsive element I68 that is part of a thermal responsive switch I10. The heater element I 66 may be either a separate resistance unit or the inherent resistance of the thermal responsive element itself. One end of the thermal responsive element I68 is anchored at I12, and

the other end actuates a contact I14 that is inalignrnent for engagement with a stationary contact I16. The stationary contact I16 is connected to another power supply line wire I18.

The thermal responsive switches shown in Figs.

2 and 3 are preferably similar to those shown in Figs. 1 to 4 or 6 and 7 of my previously men' tioned copending application Serial No. 740,961. In the circuit shown in Fig. 1, the starting and running circuits of a single phase motor are controlled by a thermal responsive switch. The same switch also protects the motor from overload, or some such abnormal condition that might be harmful to the motor. The circuit illustrates the application of the present invention to a split phase type of alternating current motor;

the auxiliary field winding current flows through the thermal responsive element to directly effect heating of the thermal responsive element; while themain field winding current flows through the heater element 10 that is closely associated with the thermal responsive element so that the heating of the heater element also heats the thermal responsive element. When the motor is not run ning the switch contacts are normally in the position illustrated in Fig. 1. When a source of current is connected to the motor through the power line wires and 82, the circuits are closed to both the main and the auxiliary field windings. However, as the rotor speed increases in the starting of the motor, the. thermal responsive element is heated to a suflicient degree that by the time the rotor has reached a predetermined speed the thermal responsive element hasv flexed suiilciently to eflect disengagement of the contacts 44 and 52, to open the circuit to the auxiliary field winding, thus switching from the starting to the running circuit of the motor. The heater element 10 is preferably so designed and positioned that the normal main field winding current at full load, or less than full load does not effect fiexure of the thermal responsive element by an amount sufilcient to cause disengagement of the contacts 46 and 54, but it does provide sufilcient heat so that the thermal responsive element remains sufliciently flexed to maintain the contacts 44 and 52 in their disengaged posi- 'Such an abnormal condition as a sufficient overload on the motor causes an increase in the main field winding current that in turn increases the temperature of the heater element 10, which increase in temperature flexes the thermal responsive element to effect this engagement of the contacts 46 and 54. The disengagement of these latter contacts opens the circuits between the main field windings 16 and the power supply line wire 82 to stop the motor. The circuit will then remain open until the thermal responsive element has cooled sufliciently that the thermal responsive element flexes back to its normal position to permit the contacts to close. If the over load or abnormal condition still remains, the motor will then be started and stopped in a similar manner. It is desirable that the contacts II and 55 close prior to, or simultaneously with the contacts l6 and so that the main field winding alone will not be connected across the power supply line wires 80 and 82 when the motor is stopped.

The circuit shown in Fig. 2 operates in a man-, ner similar to that described for Fig. 1, except that separate control switches having separate thermal responsive elements are utilized to accomplish the starting and the overload control.

In this instance. the thermal responsive elemen s differ in characteristics. so that the thermal rcsponsive element I04 and the heater element I in effect control of the starting and running circuits; while the switch H4 remains closed until some abnormal condition. such as an excessive overload on the motor. occurs. Switches such as that illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive. of my previously mentioned copcnding application 740.- 961, having thermal responsive elements with different operating characteristics are adapted to be used in asystem such as that illustrated in Fig. 2. The circuit illustrated in Fig. 3. operates in a manner similar to thatof the circuit of Fig. 2. except that a dash pot controlled magnetic switch is utilized for controlling the circuit of the starting or auxiliary field winding I.

From the foregoing description of the construction and mode of operation of the present control system. it will be apparent that in one aspect the system comprises chiefly a motor, (14 in Fig. 1 and 98 in Fig. 2) having main and auxiliary field windings (15 and I2 in Fig. 1 and 94 and 92 in Fig. 2. respectively) and. circuits therefor. and a switch comprising a thermal-responsive element H6 in Fig. 1 and i0 in Fig. 2). a heating element (10 in Fig. 1 and Ill in Fig. 2) in heat transferring relation to the thermal-responsive element (IS in Fig. l and HM in Fig. 2), and a pair of cooperating contacts (52 and I in Fig. 1 and Hill and I08 in Fig. 2), one of'which i in Fig. 1 and I08 in Fig. 2) is actuated by the thermal-responsive element (IS in Fig. l and IN in Fig. 2) to effect engagement and disengagement of the contacts (52 and 44 in Fig. 1 and '00- and I08 in Fig. 2). said contacts (52 and 44 in Fig. 1 and Hill and I0! in Fig. 2) being connected in the circuit of the auxiliary field winding (12 in Fig. 1 and 92 in Fig. 2) to control the starting and running circuits of the motor H in Fig. 1 and 96 in Fig. 2). said thermal-responsive element (IS in Fig. l and IN in Fig. 2) being connected in series with only the auxiliary field winding (12 in Fig. l and 92 in Fig. 2) and said heating element (ID in Fig. 1 and H0 in Fig. 2) being connected in the circuit of the main field winding (16 in Fig. 1 and 94 in Fig. 2).

It will also be apparent from the foregoing description of the construction and mode of operation of the present control system that in a somewhat different aspect of the present invention the system comprises chiefiy a motor (H) having a starting circuit including an auxiliary field winding .(12) and a running circuit including a main field winding (18), and a switch for controlling the starting and running circuits and protecting. the motor against over-load. said switch comprising a thermal-responsive element (It). a pair of stationary contacts (52 and 54) insulated from each other. and a cooperating pair of movable contacts (44 and 46 respectively), each cngageable with one of the stationary contacts (5! and 54 respectively). said movable contacts (44 and 46) being controlled by the thermalresponsive element I 6) While the embodiment of the present invention as herein disclosed, constitutes a preferred form, it is to be understood that other forms might be 7 adopted, all coming within the scope of the claims which follow.

What is claimed is as follows:

1. In combination, a motor having main and auxiliary field windings and circuits therefor, and a switch comprising a thermal-responsive element. a heating element in heat transferring relation to the thermal-responsive element. and a pair of cooperating contacts one of which is actuated by the thermal-responsive element to efi'ect engagement and disengagement of the contacts. said contacts being connected in the circuit of the auxiliary field winding to control the starting and running of the motor, said thermal-respon sive element being connected in series with only the auxiliary field winding and said heating element being connected in the circuit of the main field winding.

2. In combination. a motor having main and auxiliary field windings and circuits therefor, and a switch comprising a thermal-responsive ele ment. a heating element in heat transferring relation to the thermal-responsive element, and a pair of cooperating contacts one of which is actuated by the thermal-responsive element to effect engagement and disengagement of the contacts, said contacts being connected in the circuit 01. the auxiliary field winding to control the starting and running of the motor, said thermal-responsive element being connected in series with only the auxiliary field winding so ,as to be heated by the current fiow through the auxiliary field winding and said heating element being connected in series with the main field winding to impart heat to the thermal-responsive element substantially proportional to the current fiow through the main field winding.

3. In combination, a motor having main and auxiliary field windings and circuits therefor, and a switch comprising a thermal-responsive element, a pair of stationary contacts insulated from each other, a pair of movable contact carrying members each having a contact thereon for engagement with one of the stationary contacts re sponsive to the action of the thermal-responsive element. a heater element closely associated with the thermal-responsive element. said thermalresponsive element being connected in series with only one of the field windings, said heater element being connected in series with the other of the field windings. and said contacts being actuated at different times by the thermal-responsive element to control the starting and running of the motor and to protect the motor against overload.

4. In combination, a motor having a starting circuit including an auxiliary field winding and a running circuit including a main field winding. and a switch for controlling the starting and running circuits and protecting the motor against overload, said switch comprising a thermal-responsive element. a pair of stationary contacts insulated from each other, and a cooperating pair overload, said switch comprising a thermal-responsive element connected in series with the auxilary field winding, a pair of stationary contacts insulated from each other, a cooperating pair of movable contacts each engageable with one of the stationary contacts, and a heater element associated with the thermal-responsive element and connected in series with the main field winding, the heat generated in thethermal-responsive element itself mainly effecting operation of the switch to open one pair of contacts, and the heat generated in the heater element holding said pair of contacts open while the motor continues to run normally and effecting operation of the other set of contacts in the event of and abnormal condition of motor operation.

6. Incombination, a motor having starting and running windings and circuits therefor, a switch having a pair of contacts for controlling the circuit of the starting winding, said switch having'a thermal-responsive element connected in series with the starting winding for actuating the contacts, said thermal-responsive element being responsive to starting winding current when the motor is starting, a second set of contacts on the switch also actuated by the thermal-responsive element, said second set of contacts being connected in the circuit of the running winding, and a heater element connected in series with the main field winding, said heater element being located adjacent the thermal-responsive element to heat the thermal-responsive element and etiect actuation of the second set of contacts in case of an overload on the motor.

7. In combination, a motor having starting and running windings, and a switch having a thermal-responsive element and a pair of contacts, one of which contacts is actuated by the thermal-responsive element to effect engagement and disengagement of the contacts, said contacts and thermal-responsive element being connected in series with only one of said windings to effect disengagementtof the contacts responsive to the current flow through the winding with which the thermal-responsive element is in series during starting of the motor, and means connected in series with the other of said windings for maintaining the contacts in disengaged relation after the motor is started and until the current flow through the said other of said windings is considerably diminished.

CALVIN J. WERNER. 

